Downed service lines and attachments
The utility handles its overhead line and makes the area safe. FPE can then review the customer-owned attachment point and the electrical equipment connected to it.
Storm response · New Bedford & Fall River
Storm damage, meter repairs & electrical service restoration.
Downed service drops · damaged risers and masts · meter damage · backup power
For properties in New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth and nearby South Coast Massachusetts towns, FPE reviews customer-owned exterior service damage—including attachments, risers, weatherheads and meter equipment—and helps plan generator, battery or temporary power when needed.
After-hours storm and service-equipment repair is available by arrangement, subject to Francisco’s availability and required utility coordination. Call to confirm next steps; an online request does not dispatch emergency help.
Downed service line, damaged riser, sparking equipment or meter torn loose?
Stay well away. Do not touch the line, attachment, riser, mast, weatherhead, meter or nearby objects. Call 911 and your electric utility first. Once the utility hazard is controlled, call FPE to discuss customer-owned service repairs, permitting, inspection and restoration steps. Leave wet or flooded electrical equipment alone until it is evaluated by a qualified professional.
1
Immediate hazard?
Keep clear. Call 911 and the utility.
2
Utility status
Confirm lines and utility equipment are safe.
3
Electrical review
Review customer-owned service and meter equipment.
4
Repair and restoration plan
Coordinate repairs, permits, inspection and backup needs.
Storm and exterior service work
Repair the service damage first. Plan backup power second.
We’ll review the site, the utility’s status and the equipment before describing the work.
Damaged riser, mast or weatherhead
Wind and falling branches can bend or pull exterior service equipment away from the building. The repair scope depends on ownership, the existing installation and utility requirements.
Meter socket repairs and emergency damage
The utility generally maintains the electric meter. FPE can assess customer-owned meter sockets, enclosures, risers and related service equipment. Emergency damage may require utility isolation, repairs, permits and inspection before reconnection. Keep clear and contact the utility about damaged service equipment; call 911 for immediate danger. Call FPE to confirm repair availability.
Panel and interior service concerns
Storm damage may extend beyond the exterior equipment. We can review the service disconnect, panel and visible signs of water, heat or mechanical damage without energizing unsafe equipment.
Generator transfer equipment
Ask about a properly installed inlet with listed interlock or manual transfer equipment, or the electrical planning for a standby generator. The connection must match the panel, generator and loads.
Temporary and battery backup
Plan a safe connection for a customer-supplied rental generator, UPS or portable power station serving selected essential loads. Equipment compatibility and expected runtime must be reviewed.
Before repair or reconnection
Utility safety and customer-owned repairs must be coordinated.
The utility controls its lines and reconnection requirements. FPE can inspect and repair the customer-owned electrical service equipment, coordinate permits and inspection, and discuss backup power without bypassing required safety steps.
See the Power-Ready Assessment ↗What we ask for
01
Address and utility status
02
Photos from a safe distance
03
What appears damaged from a safe distance
04
Backup equipment and essential loads, if applicable
Do not approach damaged equipment to take photos.
Who it is for
Homes, rentals and working businesses.
Homeowners
Plan refrigeration, heating controls and other essential loads before a storm. If damage has already occurred, call from a safe location.
Property managers
Share the affected address, tenant access, utility reference and approval contact so work can be scoped clearly.
Retail and facilities
Discuss temporary power needs, operating hours, site access and generator provider details before a hookup.
Need electrical help?
Tell us what was damaged and what needs power.
Service availability and timing are confirmed directly. For immediate danger, call 911 and your utility first.
Know the terms
Weatherhead, mast, meter socket or panel?
Knowing the name can help describe a concern. You do not need to identify the part before calling.
- 1
Weatherhead
The entry fitting at the top of an overhead service raceway.
- 2
Service mast or riser
The exterior service pathway. Support and attachment details depend on the installation.
- 3
Meter socket
The enclosure that receives the utility meter. The socket and the meter are different pieces of equipment.
- 4
Electrical panel
Distributes power to circuits. Disconnect arrangements and locations vary by property.
Damaged or downed equipment?
Keep clear. Call 911 for immediate danger and contact the electric utility about damaged lines or service equipment. Utility isolation and reconnection must be coordinated; FPE can review the customer-owned repair scope.
Ownership guidance: Eversource · National Grid Massachusetts. Confirm requirements with the utility serving your address.